Best Divorce Lawyer – Advocate – Attorney – Advice – Emotions – South Africa

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Best Divorce Lawyer – Advocate – Attorney – Advice – Emotions – South Africa

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Relocation with my minor child to Czech Republic, Prague (Consent and Refusal) – Advocate Muhammad Abduroaf

The world is becoming a much smaller place, and technology plays a huge role. People are moving across the world for employment, love and happiness, something that was not the norm a few decades ago. There is no reason why you should remain in South Africa if you can find a better life for yourself and your family overseas. Moving overseas may provide you with the quality of life you want or the possibility of experiencing things you always wanted. The same applies to your child or children relocating with you.

Relocation of your minor child to Prague, Czech Republic

If you are single and do not have any minor children, then moving around the world would not be too complicated. All you need to do is ensure that you have the necessary travel documentation and travel ticket (and spending money), and off you go. However, if you want to travel with your minor children (for example, ages five or six) or relocate to another country, things may not be that simple. Firstly, if there is another parent, and he or she has parental responsibilities and rights, then his or her consent is required. For example, let us say you live in Randfontein or Musina, South Africa, and you want to relocate to Prague, Czech Republic, you would require the other parent’s consent to leave South Africa with your minor child. This can cause challenges, especially if the staying parent (in South Africa) does not agree to the relocation.

What about Passport Consent to travel or relocate to Prague, Czech Republic?

The same applies when it comes to your minor child applying for a South African passport to relocate to Czech Republic, or any country. Both parents who have parental responsibilities and rights of guardianship will have to consent to the minor child’s passport application as well. In this regard, both parents have to be at the Department of Home Affairs (or the relevant bank that also assists with passport application) when making the Application with the minor child. This can be challenging if you have a disinterested parent who does not want to cooperate with the passport application. As you will see later, legal action would need to be taken.

What are the steps to follow when I want to relocate to Prague, Czech Republic with my minor child? There is  another parent.

To simplify the process for relocation, the first step would be to receive the other parent’s consent in principle for the relocation and that he or she will co-operate in this regard. Once that has been resolved, the parent relocating would need to make the appointment for the minor child’s passport application as well as the application for the relevant VISA. Each country has different requirements; however, seeing that it is a relocation, you need to apply for the correct VISA. For that, you need the Passport. Once the visa and travel arrangements have been finalised, the parent remaining behind will sign a parental consent letter for the international travel. That letter can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website. Basically, the parent remaining behind would state that he or she gives consent for the minor child to leave the Republic of South Africa and travel and/or relocate to Prague, Czech Republic.

What can I do if the other parent does not want to consent to the minor child’s relocation to Prague, Czech Republic?

If the parent remaining in South Africa does not want to consent to the minor child’s passport application and/or his or her relocation to Prague, Czech Republic, then you would need to approach the Court. The Court, as upper guardian of the minor child, may order that the parent’s consent for the passport application and relocation be dispensed with. What this entails is submitting Court documents explaining why you want to relocate to Prague, Czech Republic. The other parent would also have an opportunity to give reasons why he or she objects. At the end of the process, the Court would determine what is in the minor child’s best interests. If it is in the minor child’s best interests to relocate to Prague, Czech Republic, the Court would make it possible despite the issue of consent or refusal.

What is the first step I should take if the other parent does not want to consent to the minor child’s passport application and/or relocation to Prague, Czech Republic?

If the other parent does not want to consent to the passport application and/or the relocation of the minor child to Prague, Czech Republic – in that case, we suggest you approach an attorney or advocate (trust account) to assist you with the legal process. He or she would then contact the other parent explaining the reasons for the relocation and request the necessary consent. If the parent remaining in South Africa does still not agree to the passport application and/or to the relocation to Prague, Czech Republic, then the attorney or advocate will proceed to take the matter to court. The legal route can be expensive. However, it is necessary to make the relocation of the minor child possible. You may also attend to the legal process yourself.

Getting legal assistance or help with your relocation application to Prague, Czech Republic

If you require legal assistance or representation with relocating to Prague, Czech Republic due to the other parent not cooperating or providing consent, then feel free to contact us for assistance. The Firm Advocate, Muhammad Abduroaf, deals with these types of matters.

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Frequently Asked Questions and Answers on Prenuptial and Ante-nuptial Contracts

Do you have any specific question on pre-nuptial or ante-nuptial contracts  similar to that below? If yes, feel free to post it below. We will try to answer them for you as best we can.

How does a pre-nuptial contract work?

A pre-nuptial or ante-nuptial contract is an agreement an unmarried couple enters into before they get married. I deals with the proprietary aspects of their marriage and other related issues. For example, it would deal with what matrimonial property regime applies to the marriage. For example, whether they will be be married “In Community of Property and Profit and Loss”, or “Our of Community of Property and Loss”with our without the Accrual Regime. In an Ante-nuptial contract mention can also be made of what assets are excluded from the joint estate etc. Below are some questions that people have  in relation to to ante-nuptial contracts. The Pre-nuptial agreement is executed, or signed before a Notary Public who then registers the document at the office of the Registrar of Deeds. In this way, the information in the Ante-Nuptial Contract becomes public.

How many years is a prenuptial agreement good for?

For the entire duration of the marriage.

What is a prenuptial agreement in marriage?

It is an agreement a couple enters into before the marriage.

How long should you wait to get married after signing a prenup?

You can get married the next day.

Can you get a prenup after you get married?

No. You should then enter into a postnuptial contract. You need to consent of the high court for that.

Can a prenuptial agreement be overturned?

Yes, if it was fraudulently done.

How much does it cost to get a prenuptial agreement?

Different places have different costs.

Can a will override a prenup?

No it cannot.

What good is a prenup?

One that is well written with no ambiguity.

What are ante-nuptials?

Agreements before the marriage.

Can you do a prenuptial agreement after marriage?

No. You should then enter into a postnuptial contract. You need to consent of the high court for that.

Can a prenuptial agreement be voided?

Yes it can, if there was fraud involved.

How long does it take to draw up a prenuptial agreement?

A good lawyer should take less than an hour for a basic one. A complicated one could take much longer.

Can you get a prenup for future assets?

Yes you can.

Can a prenup protect future inheritance?

Yes it can.

Is my husband entitled to half my inheritance?

It depends what the will of the person says.

How much money can you inherit before you have to pay taxes?

You need to speak to an accountant for that.

Can you get a postnuptial agreement?

Yes, but you need the High Court’s Consent before you can register it.

How do you get a prenuptial agreement?

You should see a lawyer.

Are post NUPS legal in South Africa?

Yes, it is.

Are postnuptial agreements valid in Cape Town?

Yes it is. You need the High Court’s Consent.

What does a postnuptial agreement mean?

An agreement, the same and an antenuptial agreement, but entered into after the marriage.

What is a marital agreement?

 

Is marriage a covenant or a contract? How long does it take for a divorce to be final after signing papers? What is the meaning of Antenuptial? Can you change your marriage contract after marriage? What does an invalid marriage mean? What does it mean to be married out of community of property? What is COP marriage? What does it mean to be married in community of property? What is a marriage settlement? Is a marriage a legal contract? What does it mean to contract a marriage? What is a settlement agreement in a divorce? Can a marriage settlement agreement be changed? Is a prenup a contract? Are prenuptial agreements valid in India? Is contract marriage legal in India? What is prenuptial agreement in us? How long should you wait to get married after signing a prenup? What good is a prenup? Can you deny a divorce? Do you have to go to court for an uncontested divorce? Do you have to have a lawyer to get a divorce? How do you get a divorce if you have no money? Can you get a divorce without a signature? Can you reopen a divorce case? How long do you have to respond to a divorce? Is money received in a divorce settlement taxable? Is a divorce agreement legally binding? How long does it take to get a final decree of divorce? Is a mediated agreement legally binding? Can you settle a divorce out of court? Can you appeal a divorce settlement? How do you enforce a divorce decree? How long does it take for a divorce to be final after signing papers? Can a separation agreement be changed after divorce? Can you have a divorce reversed? Can you have a divorce decree amended? How long do you have to file an appeal in a divorce case? Can a divorce be undone? Can I change my divorce settlement? Can you stop a divorce once you file? What is an appeal for divorce? Can a divorce agreement be amended? Can divorce papers be changed? Can you change a mediation agreement? How do I change my divorce decree? Can you ask for alimony after the divorce is final? What is an amended petition for divorce? What happens after you file a divorce petition? What does amend mean in court? What does it mean when a charge is amended? Can prosecutor change charges during a trial? Can a judge drop all charges? Can a judge change a verdict? Can a judge overrule the assessors? How can a judge be removed from office? Can a sentence be increased on appeal? Can a judge direct a guilty verdict? Can a prosecutor overrule a judge’s decision? What does notwithstanding the verdict mean? Can you appeal against a not guilty verdict? Can you appeal a jury verdict?

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Top tips from a Senior Family Law Advocate on how to deal with your Child Custody matter in the Vanderbijlpark Children’s Court

 

Family law legal matters can be very stressful. This is so whether you live in Vanderbijlpark or any other city in South Africa. Especially so if you have no idea how the legal processes work. It is one thing to know that you are entitled to child support, but it is a totally different matter to know the law and procedure on how to claim child support. Luckily in child maintenance matters, the maintenance court is there to assist you in completing the application form. However, many times that is not enough. Especially so if the other parent has a lawyer and knows how to present the case for his or her client.

This article, however, deals with some top tips in care and contact or custody matters in the Children’s Court in Vanderbijlpark. It would explain the processes involved and advise on how to be best prepared for your matter. This advice is applicable whether you live in Vanderbijlpark or any other city in South Africa.

What to do before visiting the Vanderbijlpark Children’s Court

Before you approach the Children’s Court in Vanderbijlpark, first try to resolve the issues with the other parent. Therefore, if you want more contact with your child and the other parent is refusing, try to resolve the matter first with that parent. If that does not work, try mediation. The mediator can be anyone, from a trusted mutual friend, priest, or other religious leaders, or a professional like an attorney, psychologist, or the office of the Family Advocate. Vanderbijlpark has many professionals that can assist you in this regard. If resolving the matter by yourselves is not possible, or mediation fails, then we suggest you approach the Vanderbijlpark Children’s Court for assistance.

TIP: Focus on getting someone neutral to assist in mediating your matter. Organisations like FAMSA and FAMAC can be of assistance. Google them.

Approaching the Vanderbijlpark Children’s Court

The Vanderbijlpark Children’s Court should be approached if it is the closest Children’s Court to you. You need to verify with the Vanderbijlpark Children’s Court that you fall under their area of jurisdiction. If not, they would direct you to which Children’s Court is applicable to you.

Once you arrive at the Vanderbijlpark Children’s Court, they will provide you with a form headed “Bringing Matter to Court in Terms of Section 53 Children’s Act, 2005 (Act no. 38 of 2005) Regulation Relating to Children’s Court and International Child Abduction, 2008 [Regulation 6]. This form is also called Form 2.

In this form, you will provide all your particulars and that of the child or children and the other parent. The sections in the form are as follows:

  • PART A: PARTICULARS OF CHILD(REN)
  • PART B: PARTICULARS OF *CHILD WHO IS AFFECTED BY OR INVOLVED IN THE MATTER/PERSON *ACTING IN THE INTEREST OF THE CHILD/*ON BEHALF OF THE CHILD WHO CANNOT ACT IN HIS/HER OWN NAME/ *MEMBER OF A GROUP OF CLASS OF CHILDREN/*IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST (SECTION 53(2)
  • PART C: PARTICULARS OF PERSONS HAVING AN INTEREST IN THE MATTER
  • PART D: PARTICULARS OF MATTER

In part D, the following is stated which you need to provide in the form:

  • Nature of matter brought to Court: (Please give full details of the matter e.g., registration/amendment of parenting plans, removal of child to safe care, children in need of care and protection, placement in youth care centers, adoption etc.
  • Documents: Are there any documents relating to the matter? (If so please attach)

Once you have completed the form and attached the relevant documents to it, you must take it to a commissioner of Oaths to have it commissioned. It does not have to be in Vanderbijlpark.

TIP: Draft a separate affidavit explaining your case. Outline some background information and reasons why the Court should give you what you request. Attach it to Form 2.

Processing your Application at the Vanderbijlpark Children’s Court

Once you complete the Form A and submit it to the Clerk of the Vanderbijlpark Children’s Court, they will process it and allocate it a case number or reference number. The Clerk of the Court would then allocate a date to the matter and advise the parties accordingly when the court date is. Please note that some courts follow a different process for processing the application and informing the parties of the court date. Please enquire from the Court when making the application what process they follow.

TIP: Obtain the contact details of the Court for you to contact them to obtain the Court date or other information. Ask for their contact number and email address.

Appearing in the Vanderbijlpark Children’s Court

When notified of the Court date, both you and the other parent should attend. If you are making use of a lawyer (Advocate or Attorney), inform them timeously of the date. Depending on the Court, you may first see the Clerk or go directly to the Magistrate. The Children’s Court would do its best to try to resolve the matter. If the parents cannot come to an agreement, the Children’s Court may postpone the matter for either of the following:

  • Get a social worker involved in the matter;
  • Appoint a legal representative for the minor child;
  • Implement interim care and contact arrangements;
  • Having the parties attempt to agree on a parenting plan;
  •  

In serious matters, the Court may remove the minor child from both parents and place the child in foster care. The powers of the Children’s Court are extensive. It will, however, focus on what is in the child’s best interests.

TIP: Be as vocal as possible. Do not expect the Court to be understanding of your case or be on your side. It is your duty to explain your case and provide the Court with all the relevant information they require for them to make a fair decision.

Finalising the matter in the Vanderbijlpark Children’s Court

Once the Vanderbijlpark Children’s Court has enough information to make a final decision, it will do so. Depending on the facts of the matter, that could either be making a Parenting Plan, an Order of the Court or a final care and contact Order. The Court may even make further interim orders, where the parties are to return to Court after a few months, or a year later.

TIP: Do not agree to something just because the social worker, a lawyer, or the Court suggest it. You need to be happy with what is decided.

The above Vanderbijlpark Children’s Court Application tips should apply to the following provinces and cities:

Eastern Cape:

Alice, Butterworth, East London, Graaff-Reinet, Grahamstown, King William’s Town, Mthatha

Port Elizabeth, Queenstown, Uitenhage, Zwelitsha

Free State:

Bethlehem. Bloemfontein, Jagersfontein, Kroonstad, Odendaalsrus, Parys, Phuthaditjhaba, Sasolburg, Virginia, Welkom

Gauteng:

Benoni, Boksburg, Brakpan, Carletonville, Germiston, Johannesburg, Krugersdorp, Pretoria, Randburg, Randfontein, Roodepoort, Soweto, Springs, Vanderbijlpark, Vereeniging

KwaZulu-Natal:

Durban, Empangeni, Ladysmith, Newcastle, Pietermaritzburg, Pinetown, Ulundi, Umlazi

Limpopo:

Giyani, Lebowakgomo, Musina, Phalaborwa, Polokwane, Seshego, Sibasa, Thabazimbi

Mpumalanga:

Emalahleni, Nelspruit, Secunda, North West, Klerksdorp, Mahikeng, Mmabatho, Potchefstroom, Rustenburg, Northern Cape, Kimberley, Kuruman, Port Nolloth

Western Cape:

Bellville, Vanderbijlpark, Constantia, George, Hopefield, Oudtshoorn, Paarl, Simon’s Town, Stellenbosch, Swellendam, Worcester

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